Dili, March 13, 2026 – The Centro Nacional Chega!I.P. (CNC I.P) and the Human Capital Development Fund (FDCH) encouraged the 16 scholarship recipients (13 females and 3 males) to study hard and achieve high scores.

In his remarks, Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega!I.P., underscored that the scholarship is funded not by CNC I.P. and FDCH, but by the state of Timor-Leste. He highlighted that it symbolizes the state’s recognition of the sacrifices made by parents and grandparents who endured the conflict from 1974 to 1999.

“The state of Timor-Leste offers this scholarship to honor your parents, who lost opportunities similar to those you have today. They were born into a different situation than you. By receiving this scholarship, you must pay tribute to their sacrifices and dignify their contributions in bringing this country to independence,” said Hugo during the signing of the Study Subsidy Contract, held at the Centro Chega! Conference Room, Antigo Comarca Balide-Dili.

Hugo emphasized the importance of taking pride in the scholarship you have received, as you are now the same as others in Timor-Leste, including the children of government members and veterans who also benefit from scholarships. He highlighted, “You should recognize this as an acknowledgment from the state. This is not a scholarship from Júlio, from me, or from FDHC or CNC I.P. This is a scholarship from the state of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.”

He urged the scholarship recipients to study hard to achieve good grades. “You cannot be like other scholarship recipients who received this scholarship but did not attend school or study, ultimately resulting in unsatisfactory grades. “You shouldn’t be frightened; instead, let this be a motivation that makes you proud. I have received this scholarship because my parents participated in the struggle, and the state recognizes this,” the Director reminded them.

Hugo also congratulated the scholarship recipients for having the opportunity to pursue their studies. He emphasized that this scholarship is meant to enhance their capacity and knowledge, and he hopes it will serve as a first step towards contributing to society. “You must be ambassadors who proudly represent the state’s support for what the victims have faced.”

In addition, Júlio Aparicio, Executive Director of FDCH, encouraged scholarship recipients to study diligently, emphasizing that this opportunity must be valued by themselves. He stated that the power to overcome our suffering lies within us. Neither the government, CNC I.P, FDCH, parents, nor schools can free us from our suffering; they can only guide us along the way.

“I urge you to commit to your studies. Your suffering and poverty are your own responsibility, not that of others. Relying on others will only take advantage of our struggles, while they continue to improve their lives better than us,” the Director urged.

Julieta Maria Freitas, speaking on behalf of the scholarship recipients, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and committed to studying diligently and taking responsibility for contributing to development. She emphasized that this is a significant chance to expand their knowledge. In addition, Marelia Alves Fernandes, representing the families, conveyed heartfelt thanks from the parents to Centro Chega! and FDCH for providing scholarships that enable their children to pursue higher education. She also encouraged the scholarship recipients to focus on their studies and strive for success.

From 2022-2026, Centro Chega! and FDCH have provided scholarships to a total of 43 children of survivors, with 4 having already graduated. For the 2025-2026, Centro Chega! also continue to provide graduation funds for 5 additional scholarship holders.

This support enables the children of survivors to pursue higher education, ensuring a better future for the next generation, as education is key to improving their life opportunities and enabling them to reach their full potential. By investing in education, we can drive economic growth and national development, with the vision that every child has access to quality education, remains healthy and productive, and contributes to the national development.

These supports, in response to the recommendations from the CAVR-Chega! report, which called on the Government of Timor-Leste to provide reparations for victims of past political conflicts. The report urged the government to guarantee a better life for those who suffered during the 24-year struggle for national liberation. Specifically, “Reparation 12.12” is outlined in Chega! Recommendation urged the government of Timor-Leste to provide scholarships to children of victims who have been unable to continue their secondary and higher education due to economic hardships.

***Chega! Media

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